Meningitis:
Identifying The Symptoms

Meningitis is a life-threatening infection, which affects the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis and its associated disease, septicaemia (blood poisoning), can kill within hours and can affect anyone at any time. Those most at risk are children under the age of five; teenagers and young adults; and people over 55.

Approximately 3,000 cases are reported every year in the UK, but meningitis experts estimate that this is half of the true picture. There is still no vaccine available to protect against meningococcal group B, the most common bacterial cause of the disease in the UK, and it is therefore vital that people know how to detect the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Common signs and symptoms include fever (with cold hands and feet), joint or muscle pain, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, confusion, and in babies, a dislike of being handled, pale blotchy skin, a high-pitched cry, and a blank staring expression. Both adults and children may also have a rash (septicaemia) that doesn’t disappear under pressure.

A new device has recently been launched to help detect the common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.

Available nationwide in Boots the Meningitis Arc is the first product ever to combine a representation of the septicaemic rash, which acts as a ‘detector’, with a list of common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.

Developed by JRBiomedical Ltd, with disease information provided by the Meningitis Trust, the Arc has been devised to improve awareness of symptoms of the disease that kills more under fives than any other infectious disease.

The reusable device made of clear, polycarbonate and shaped like an ‘arc’, lists common signs & symptoms alongside a representation of the rash and a space to encourage replication of the ‘tumbler test’.

In a survey undertaken by the Meningitis Trust in June 2006 half of parents questioned could not name three signs and symptoms of meningitis.

“Meningitis can be a killer. Many people think that this is no longer the case due to publicity over vaccines. However, vaccines are not available for all strains and people need to remain very vigilant,” explains Sue Davie, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Trust. “Any activity which helps to responsibly raise awareness and understanding of the disease and prompt urgent action, is a very positive step. The Meningitis Trust was pleased to provide the disease information for the Arc pack.”

Dr Ravi Jayaram, Consultant Paediatrician from the Countess of Chester Hospital and practicing paediatrician for 15 years, said: “The Meningitis Arc is a very useful tool for anyone concerned about the onset of meningitis and particularly for parents of unwell children.

“The “tumbler test” to assess for the rash associated with meningococcal septicaemia is fairly well known but can be falsely reassuring as a non-blanching rash may not always be present. The Arc has the important advantage of listing many of the other “alarm bells” suggestive of meningitis.”

The Meningitis Arc retails at £9.99 and is available at Boots.com, stores nationwide or at www.meningitisalert.co.uk

The Meningitis Trust is the UK’s leading meningitis charity and offers a 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0800 028 18 28

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